Ikea, Week 6 Post 1

Going to Ikea for a cheap lunch in the middle of daily errands seems to be a popular choice among middle-class Swedes. I have gone several times to Ikea's affordable cafeteria-style lunch and it is of surprising quality. I have found many meals in Sweden, regardless of the style of restaurant, to be very expensive when put in terms of the American dollar. For a price of about $3, this authentic Swedish meal  fills me up and although I have to take the bus here, it is worth it to come here for lunch and practical living needs. It wasn't until todays lunch when I went alone, therefore spent a lot of time people watching, that I realized how representative this idea is of the Swedish welfare state model. In a large building that can be seen from the highway coated brightly in Sweden's blue and yellow colors, any budget can afford the items in Ikea. I observed families, elderly couples, construction workers, and students enjoying a warm, hot meal on a rainy fall day all thanks to a company that is willing to provide this value to its customers. Ikea can be considered similar to what the Swedish government does for its people by providing health care at no price. Additionally, if medicine is needed, I have heard it is very affordable and of no concern for citizens. The country also seems to have 'plenty of space for everyone', and although Ikea gets quite crowded for lunch, it accommodates everyone in a well designed dining area with a great view. The accommodating personality of Ikea mirrors the welfare model because it provides everyone with a place to live. The living area that I am staying in for my stay is also a housing area for people who are taking advantage of the government provided housing, and I must say it is a nice setup for them. It is in a beautiful area, plenty of great scenery to look at, and a very comfortable town to get along in. As an American, having these kinds of things taken care of for you seems like such a luxury. Although one has little control over their wallet and where the large percentage of tax money goes, they can relax in knowing that they are taken care of. Ikea is spreading these ideas throughout the world with its high number of locations, even one near my hometown in the suburbs of Chicago. I'm not sure if the ideas are transferred as clearly because Americans might not interpret this the same way without a prior knowledge of Sweden. But nonetheless, it provides great design at a low price so that all who want a modern looking home or a new set of cabinets that quietly close shut can have it.